Congratulations! Being pregnant and being a mother are the most incredible and glorifying experiences a woman can have in her life. With the ever changing and fast-paced lifestyles that we live in, it is very essential that we know the best approach to having a healthy and happy mother and baby.
The following are some pregnancy related guidelines, a checklist for a ‘to be mother’ to follow and to ensure a perfect pregnancy.

Pregnancy Do’s
➢    Maintain a journal of all the changes that you go through physically and emotionally.
➢    It is very important to have a well balanced diet and healthy snacks (fruits and mainly leafy veggies, whole grains, cereals, peanuts, etc.)
➢    Keep yourself hydrated at all times by drinking plenty of liquids such as water, fresh juices and milk, and yogurt as it gives you your daily supply of calcium.
➢    Have regular medical check-ups.
➢    Always maintain dental hygiene.
➢    Doing light regular exercises e.g. walking, doing yoga or swimming, is highly recommended during pregnancy.
➢    Have a daily dose of vitamins and proteins that have been advised by your doctor are very essential for both mother and baby.
➢    Have plenty of iron rich foods as they keep you from getting fatigued if you have iron deficiency and are anemic.
➢    It is safe to travel by air between the 18th to the 24th week of your pregnancy.
➢    Try to be relaxed, happy and stress free. Have a positive mind with positive thoughts.
➢    Making love is fine during pregnancy as long and there are no complications or your doctor has recommended that you don’t.
➢    Ensure that you are getting a good 8 hours of sound sleep. Go to bed early.
Pregnancy Don’ts
➢    There are harmful bacteria in certain foods that should be avoided, as there is a risk of contamination with bacteria (raw meat, sushi, soft cheese, blue cheese, feta, Camembert and Mexican-style cheese, raw eggs).
➢    Do not consume junk food.
➢    Avoid active or passive cigarette smoking.
➢    Do not consume alcohol, any form of drugs or medications not prescribed to you by your doctor.
➢    Do not take large doses of vitamin A as it can cause problems to the heart and face during pregnancy.
➢    Caffeine consumption should be avoided.
➢    Do not be in close contact with any sort of chemicals such as household cleaning chemicals, pesticides, paints and even cat litter, as it may affect the brain and nervous system of the developing    baby.
➢    Do not expose yourself to microwave radiation.
➢    Any form or ways of external heating should be abstained from since there is also internal heat from the baby, for e.g. tanning, saunas, taking long hot tub baths, etc. These could lead to low blood pressure, dizziness, dehydration and if the risk is increased could also lead to a miscarriage.
➢    Do not stress or have negative thoughts especially if you are working during your pregnancy. Do not overwork yourself and do not carry anything heavy or be on your feet for long hours.
➢    It is not safe to travel by air after the 36th week of your pregnancy. Due to pressure changes, it may lead to premature labor or a miscarriage.
➢    Avoid oral sex during your pregnancy, as there is a rare chance of air getting into your vagina, which could lead to an air bubble getting into your bloodstream. As your blood vessels dilate during pregnancy, this could be fatal.
All the very best, follow the tips and hug your happy, healthy baby for me.